Rocky Mountain News
I remember fondly a childhood in which we came home from school, gobbled down a snack and ran out to play until dark.
We made up games, taught each other to roller skate and ride bikes, ran and jumped, climbed and fell, fought and negotiated, and generally had fun without adults telling us what to do.
Play has taken on new forms these days. Adults hover over preschoolers, "helping" them play nicely and preventing them from hurting themselves or others. Playgrounds have become so safe as to be utterly boring.
Unfettered playtime is more and more consumed by academic programs, electronic media and games, and adult-organized activities at the expense of children's physical, emotional and social development, say experts.